X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Dynasty Fantasy Football: Top NFL Quarterbacks And Running Backs To Target in Drafts (2025)

Chuba Hubbard - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Dynasty fantasy football - top NFL quarterbacks and running backs to target in 2025 dynasty fantasy football drafts. Buy these QBs and RBs in dynasty leagues.

If you play dynasty fantasy football, then you know how difficult winning a dynasty title is. A lot more goes into it than a standard redraft league. Injuries happen, players disappoint, and finding viable replacements on waivers is a lot harder. Depth becomes very important.

Running backs are always in demand in dynasty leagues. We all know what having a stud back can mean to your team’s title hopes. In addition, owning an elite signal-caller can make up for other holes in your lineup. Today, we will examine several quarterbacks and running backs you should try and acquire to gain an edge over the rest of your league.

Make sure you’re following RotoBaller on X and check out RotoBaller.com for all your dynasty fantasy football needs. Here are five quarterbacks and running backs you should buy in your dynasty fantasy football leagues.

Editor's Note: Explore RotoBaller’s Dynasty Fantasy Football hub for year-round dynasty rankings, trade tips, rookie analysis, and long-term player outlooks. Dominate your league with our sleepers, stash targets, and dynasty draft advice. Click here for Dynasty rankings and strategy.

 

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings

McCarthy missed his entire rookie year after tearing his meniscus in training camp.

Following McCarthy’s injury, Sam Darnold became Minnesota’s de facto QB1 and had an incredible 2024. He threw for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 passing touchdowns but came crashing down to earth in the season’s final two games.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has not committed to Darnold remaining with the team in 2025 following Minnesota’s Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That means McCarthy could be in line to take over as the starter.

There is some uncertainty surrounding McCarthy in the dynasty community since he missed his entire rookie season. However, this is still a quarterback with top-10 draft capital tied to a strong offensive coach and surrounded by an abundance of talent. This is as good of a situation as a first-time starting quarterback can enter.

Likely, the McCarthy owner in your league won’t move him for a discount if they waited out all of 2024, but there might be a manager who sees him as an expendable asset.

If you need a quarterback, it’s certainly worth kicking the tires on a McCarthy trade. He is currently the QB22 in RotoBaller’s dynasty rankings. If his 2025 is anything close to Darnold’s 2024, then this could be the ideal time to acquire last year’s 10th overall pick.

 

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons

Penix took over as the Falcons starter when Kirk Cousins struggled down the stretch. He only went 1-2 in three starts and threw three touchdown passes against three interceptions. While the stats don’t blow you away, there are reasons to be encouraged for the future.

Penix also showcased a big arm and stepped up late in a game against the Washington Commanders with Atlanta’s season on the line.

Atlanta will now have an entire offseason to craft an offense catered to his skill set. It will also give Penix time to develop chemistry with Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and the other Falcons skill players.

This situation is not quite as good as McCarthy’s, but things are set up well for Penix. He is an ideal trade target if you’re looking to tier down off someone like Kyler Murray or C.J. Stroud.

 

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

While his raw stats disappointed last year, Walker still posted some strong advanced metrics. Among 46 backs with 100+ carries, Walker finished first in missed tackles forced per attempt (MTF/ATT), per Fantasy Points Data Suite, third in PFF Elusive Rating, and fifth in PFF Rushing Grade.

In addition, the Michigan State product finished ninth in missed tackles forced (MTF), per Fantasy Points Data Suite, and 10th in yards after contact per attempt (YACO/ATT), per Fantasy Points Data Suite.

This is still a highly talented player. Some of his efficiency metrics have not been great, but this can partially be attributed to Seattle’s poor offensive line play over the years. A bad offensive line can skew running back efficiency metrics, and a good line can help. Look no further than Saquon Barkley this past season for proof of that statement.

Walker received plenty of volume in 2024, even with a new coaching staff. He has dealt with nagging injuries during his career, and that could scare some owners.

Walker is one of the top buys at running back this offseason. He has posted strong advanced metrics in key areas and has a top-5 upside. The addition of new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak might be what unlocks the next level of Walker’s game in 2025.

Check in with the Walker manager in your league and work a deal to get him on your roster.

 

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers

Hubbard enjoyed a career year in 2024. He ran for a career-high 1,195 yards and scored 10 rushing touchdowns.

His advanced metrics were also quite strong. Hubbard finished third in Next Gen Stats' rush yards over expected (RYOE) and fourth in rush yards over expected per attempt (RYOE/ATT). He was also PFF’s ninth-highest-graded rusher.

Jonathon Brooks, Carolina’s 2024 second-round pick, re-tore his ACL in December. He is unlikely to play in 2025. That means less competition for Hubbard in the Carolina backfield. The incoming rookie running back class is loaded with talent, so Hubbard has a major bullet to dodge there to remain Carolina’s unquestioned RB1.

However, the Panthers signed him to a contract extension last year, making him the sixth-highest-paid running back in the league. So, regardless of who Carolina adds this offseason, Hubbard should remain heavily involved in the team’s offense.

 

Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

After a highly disappointing rookie season in 2023, Bigsby showed signs of life in 2024. He ran for 766 yards and seven touchdowns in his sophomore season.

He looked the part of an NFL-caliber back and outshined incumbent starter Travis Etienne Jr. all year. Bigsby even finished higher than Etienne in Next Gen Stats' rush yards over expected (RYOE), PFF’s Rushing Grade, and PFF’s signature Elusive Rating. It was pretty clear Bigsby was Jacksonville’s best back in 2024.

The previous regime (Urban Meyer and Trent Baalke) that used a first-round pick to draft Etienne is gone. Liam Coen takes over as Jacksonville’s new head coach in 2025. It’s unclear who Coen will use as the team’s lead back, so Etienne is by no means a lock to lead the team in touches.

Bigsby outproduced Etienne last year, and if he does it again in 2025, Coen could hand the reins over to Bigsby, similar to what he did with Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay last year.

Bigsby is currently RotoBaller’s dynasty RB44. He needs to survive the NFL Draft, as there’s a chance Coen wants to handpick his own back from the loaded incoming running back class. Even with that risk, Bigsby is a great cheap option for managers needing a running back.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
NBA

Dominick Barlow Inks Two-Way Deal with 76ers
NBA

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Kyren Williams

Rams Not Willing to Pay Kyren Williams Top-Market Money?
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Christian Kirk

the No. 2 WR in Houston?
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Jerome Ford

the Likely Starter for Cleveland to Begin 2025
Chig Okonkwo

"Poised" for Best Season of Career
Xavier Watts

Falcons High on Xavier Watts
Xavier Restrepo

Training With Star Wideouts
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Tristan Wirfs

Undergoes Knee Surgery, Likely to Miss Start of Season
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic to Delay Extension Talks Until 2026
Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Jacob Wilson

Exits Early On Tuesday With Left Hand Contusion
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
Laken Tomlinson

Confident in Texans Offensive Line
J.K. Dobbins

the Starter in Denver?
JT Woods

Seahawks Release JT Woods
Darren Waller

Trade to Miami Becomes Official
Asante Samuel Jr.

Dolphins Interested in Asante Samuel Jr.
Nyheim Hines

Seeking Return to NFL
Dak Prescott

Expects to be Full-Go for Training Camp
Ajay Mitchell

Posts 16 Points in Summer League Win on Monday
Milwaukee Bucks

Vasilije Micic Waived by Bucks
Luis Garcia

Fans Four in Rehab Outing
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Anthony Santander

Hoping to Hit Soon
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning in Short Order
Alex Bregman

Could Return Later This Week
Ketel Marte

Day-to-Day with Groin Tightness
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Hunter Greene

Suffers Setback on Monday
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Still Not Close on New Contract
Terry McLaurin

Still Not Pleased with Contract Situation
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Yu Darvish

to Make Season Debut on Monday
MLB

Nationals Fire Dave Martinez, Mike Rizzo
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF